CAMPUS NEWS

In anticipation of this evening's Annual Distinguished Lecture Series featuring Jared Diamond, a campus dialogue about the environment and society has been established. Please share your thoughts, ideas or questions online at http://blog.case.edu/diamond/.

Aaron Shaffer, a manager at the Kelvin Smith Library's Freedman Center, will explain the benefits of a blog, wiki, or podcasting today from 1- 2:30 p.m. at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, room 225. RSVP to x2992.

The Office of Student Community Service is sponsoring an alternative spring break trip March 12-18 in New Orleans. A group of Case students and other members of the Case community will volunteer to assist with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The community service office invites people who cannot attend to help defray costs associated with bus transportation. For information on how to donate, go to http://studentaffairs.case.edu/service/.

CASE IN THE NEWS

"Hundert under fire: Case president's conciliatory approach to his critics is welcome and wise; he deserves a chance to right the ship"

From the moment he arrived at Case Western Reserve University, President Edward Hundert has spoken about the transformational power of learning. The question now is whether the institution's leader is willing to be schooled. Now, Hundert must embrace anew an attitude of openness regarding both his dreams for the campus and the realities the entire community must confront. But to oust him would ill serve both the institution and the individual. Remember, Hundert's immediate predecessor, David Auston, lasted just 22 months, abruptly resigning over conflicts with the board. Give Hundert a chance to prove that he has been transformed by recent hard lessons. The man, and the school, deserve it.

"U. taps new law college dean"

Hiram E. Chodosh, law professor and associate dean for academic affairs at Case Western Reserve University, has been named the new dean of the University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law. He begins the new job July 1. Chodosh, 44, replaces Scott Matheson Jr., who is stepping down June 30 after eight years. U. officials describe Chodosh as an internationally recognized legal scholar and administrator who brings "exceptional breadth and experience to the U. He will focus on expanding the university's global programs, develop professional opportunities for students, integrate new technology and promote interdisciplinary research and training," U. President Michael Young said in a statement Tuesday.

"Belafonte: Bush kept him from King rites"

Legendary entertainer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte on Tuesday explained his absence from Coretta Scott King's funeral. Belafonte told reporters before a speech at Case Western Reserve University that President Bush influenced the King family to disinvite him from the funeral in suburban Atlanta on Feb. 7. The King children made the final decision, Belafonte said, but they were "fiercely intimidated by the president's representatives." [Belafonte] agreed to speak after receiving a letter from Case senior Eric Hammond, the grandson of former Congressman Louis Stokes.

HIGHER ED NEWS

"EU to challenge MIT with new institute"

BRUSSELS, Belgium—The European Union [has unveiled] plans for the creation of a rival to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, reflecting fears that academic standards are slipping further behind the United States and risk being overtaken by China and India. The proposal for a "European Institute of Technology" [was announced] by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and his Education Commissioner Jan Figel. Barroso has said the EIT will "act as a pole of attraction for the very best minds, ideas and companies from around the world." However, opinion is divided over whether to create a single new elite university, a network of some of Europe's best existing universities through an EIT coordination center or just an EIT brand that could be awarded to top academic and research centers.

EVENTS

The Academic Integrity Board will host a campus-wide promotion of academic integrity during Case's first annual "Integrity Week" now through March 3. The series of events will encourage students and faculty to reflect on their roles in an ethical context. For details go to http://www.case.edu/news/2006/2-06/academic.htm.

FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Act III Roundtable, a discussion group for women in or nearing retirement, meets on March 2 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women in Thwing Center. For details e-mail centerforwomen@case.edu.

FOR STUDENTS

Graduating seniors are invited to recognize a faculty or staff member who has had a significant impact on their success at Case during the Seniors' Salute Reception on March 24, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Severance Hall's Grand Foyer. RSVP by March 10 at http://studentaffairs.case.edu/division/seniorsalute/.

PERSONNEL

ACCOLADES

George Kikano of family medicine and Nathan Berger of hematology and oncology will be part of a panel of local health advocates at HealthSpace Cleveland's public forum and discussion entitled "Your Community. Your Health" on March 13. Topics of discussion will include racial and ethnic disparities, socioeconomic factors, psychological health, pediatric wellness, and more. The event is open to the public, and begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets, which cost $50, include both the forum and admission to the Cleveland Play House's production of "Well," a critically acclaimed Broadway show. Call the Cleveland Play House box office at (216) 795-7000, ext. 4.